THE USE OF RAMAN-FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY TO IDENTIFY FACTORS AFFECTING THE MINERALIZATION OF THE SURFACE OF DENTAL HARD TISSUES AT THE STAGES OF RADIATION THERAPY

Subject. The relationship of factors affecting the mineralization of teeth under the influence of radiation therapy. Objectives. To investigate the relationship between changes in the mineralization of the surface of the hard tissues of the tooth and the hygienic condition of the oral cavity in patients with oncological diseases of the maxillofacial region by the method of Raman-fluorescence diagnostics and to determine its clinical significance. Methodology. The study included Raman fluorescence spectroscopy of teeth, salivation assessment, and evaluation of oral hygiene level in patients receiving radiation therapy. Results. Radiation therapy leads to a statistically significant decrease in mineralization in all studied areas of the tooth hard tissue surface (neck area from 270.30 ± 9.37 to 239.05 ± 10.35; cutting edge from 411.48 ± 17.2 to 272.88 ± 17.36; equator from 450.68 ± 35.32 to 311.10 ± 30.81). On the 15th and 30th day of the study, patients in the main group showed a statistically significant deterioration in the hygiene index (p<0.001). A statistically significant direct relationship between salivation and mineralization was found, moderate on day 15 and high on day 30 (on the Cheddock scale). A statistically significant inverse relationship was found between the Green-Vermillion hygiene index and mineralization (Raman intensity), moderate in the area of the equator and high in the neck region and the cutting edge (on the Cheddock scale). Conclusion 1. A change in the mineralization of the surface of the hard tissues of teeth has a direct relationship with a change in salivation and an inverse relationship with a change in the level of oral hygiene in patients receiving radiation therapy. 2. Changes in the level of oral hygiene have an inverse relationship with changes in the level of salivation in patients receiving radiation therapy. 3. An integrally expressed index of oral hygiene based on the use of raman-fluorescence technology is applicable in clinical practice in patients undergoing radiation therapy.